GRANITE - South Coast

Granite, off Ireland's South Coast, isn't deep. At a maximum of 7 metres, it’s a site we always recommend for divers looking for something a bit different, something with a story. This old fishing vessel, sunk back in 1990, lies broken but still recognisable on a rocky seabed. You'll find yourself gliding over its collapsed wheelhouse, past twisted metal where the bow once proudly cut through waves. We love how the shallow depth floods the wreck with light, even on a cloudier day. Sunlight filters through the kelp, illuminating the nooks and crannies of the hull. Look closely and you’ll spot velvet crabs scuttling amongst the plates, and the occasional pollock darting from shadows. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the moody essence of an Irish wreck without battling depth or strong currents. Our favourite part? The way the wreck's structure has blended with the rock, creating a unique habitat. It's an easy dive, and even on a busy weekend, you often get a real sense of solitude down there.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.920116, -10.275567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Valencia Harbour/Portmagee Channel SAC

Best Time to Dive in South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in South Coast occur in January, averaging 8.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.8°C (air: 7.0°C)
  • February: 8.8°C (air: 8.3°C)
  • March: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)
  • April: 8.8°C (air: 9.3°C)
  • May: 8.8°C (air: 11.8°C)
  • June: 8.8°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.8°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • August: 8.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • September: 8.8°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • October: 8.8°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 9.9°C)
  • December: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to GRANITE

Marine Life in South Coast

Home to 199 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 14 whales & dolphins, 14 other, 10 crabs & lobsters, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for GRANITE

Based on average water temperature of 8.8°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories